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THE GALLERY
Real places. Real memories. The journey behind the story.
Explore photos and video memories from the places that shaped Penny and Rome — from Roman streets and ancient landmarks to quiet moments between destinations.
Trevi Fountain After Dark
Few places capture the spirit of Rome quite like the Trevi Fountain. By night, it becomes a Roman masterpiece that glows beneath the city lights, drawing visitors from around the world to share in a tradition that's centuries old. Penny and I found ourselves here every night, setting with the crowds for hours.
Theatre of Marcellus
Completed in 13 BC, older than the Colosseum, this Theatre stood here before the birth of Christ. More than two thousand years later, Penny and I found ourselves walking at it's base, marveling at history still standing before us. It's likely that the Apostles Peter and Paul spent time here.
The Altare Della Patria
Known by the Italians as "The Wedding Cake" for its brilliant white marble, the Altare della Patria rises above Rome as a monument to Italian unity. Standing at it's base, Penny and I felt dwarfed by it's immense scale, a reminder that every era leaves its mark on the Eternal City.
The Colosseum
Words cannot express how one feels here. Completed around 80AD, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built by the Roman Empire. and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. For 2000 years it has stood as a witness to the rise and fall of empires, countless triumphs and tragedies. It has survived wars, earthquakes, and the passage of time. As Penny and I stood before it's ancient walls, we felt a sense of awe that is difficult to describe. A moment when history no longer seemed distant but alive around us. This night, a full moon rose above the Colosseum, casting a glow we would never forget. That memory became so meaningful that we later asked a local artist to preserve the scene in a painting that still hangs in my study today.
Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles
Dedicated to the apostles who helped carry Christianity across the Roman world, the Basilica of the twelve holy apostles has welcomed worshipers for centuries. Unlike many of Rome's crowded landmarks, we found a peaceful silence here. As Penny and I descended the grand staircase beneath the church, we discovered quite chapels, ancient relics, and a single candle burning in a small room off to the side. In a city filled with wonders, it was one of the simplest moment that stayed with us the longest.
Moon over Roman Forum
The Roman Forum has witnessed emperors, triumphs, wars, and the rise of Christianity. On this evening, a full moon hung above the ancient ruins while an old stone pine stretched toward the sky. As Penny and I paused to take it all in, Rome felt less like a city and more like a living memory preserved in stone.
Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles
Dedicated to the apostles who helped carry Christianity across the Roman world, the Basilica of the twelve holy apostles has welcomed worshipers for centuries. Unlike many of Rome's crowded landmarks, we found a peaceful silence here. As Penny and I descended the grand staircase beneath the church, we discovered quite chapels, ancient relics, and a single candle burning in a small room off to the side. In a city filled with wonders, it was one of the simplest moment that stayed with us the longest.
Palm Sunday in St. Peter's Square
Believe it or not, we never planned to be in Rome for Palm Sunday. Yet somehow, after nearly 40 days in Europe, Penny and I found ourselves standing in St. Peters Squire as the Pope addressed the faithful. Surrounded by thousands of strangers, it felt strangely personal---as if Rome had saved one final gift for us before our journey home to the Keys, reminding us that sometimes the most meaningful moments are the ones no itinerary could have arranged, God arranged this one.
One Last Walk
Our last night in Rome ended the same way many of our evenings had begun---with a walk through the ancient city beneath a glowing moon. As crowds gathered near the Trevi Fountain and the lights of Rome filled the streets below, Penny and I paused to take it all in. The monuments, the history, and the beauty of the city would stay with us, but it was the simple act of wandering together that became the memory we carried home.
The Pantheon
Completed nearly 2000 years ago, the Pantheon remains one of the best preserved buildings in the ancient Roman world. It's towering granite columns and massive bronze doors have welcomed emperors, artists, pilgrims, and travelers for generations. Standing beneath them, Penny seemed small against the scale of history, yet somehow that moment felt timeless---a reminder that the greatest journeys are not measured in miles, but in memories shared along the way.
Crossing the Tiber
For more than 2500 years, the Tiber River has flowed through the heart of Rome, carrying merchants, pilgrims, emperors, and travelers beneath it's bridges. During our stay, Penny and I crossed its waters every evening as we walked between Vatican City and the streets of Rome. Over time, the river became more than a landmark, it became part of our journey, guiding us home beneath the lights of the Eternal City.
St. Peter's Basilica
That's right, this is the tomb of St. Peter, in Vatican City. One of the most significant sites I the Christian world. As Penny and I approached it, history and faith seemed to meet in one place. The chairs are set up for Palm Sunday service.
Every image carries part of the story.
The gallery is only the beginning. Read the reflections, memories, and behind-the-scenes notes that are shaping Book One.
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